Beauty queen wants to be ‘contravida

Published December 2, 2022, 7:15 AM

by Annalyn S. Jusay

Dr. Riza Oben Dormiendo was crowned Mrs Face of Beauty International 2019

Dr. Riza Oben Dormiendo was the multi-awarded CEO of a top manpower placement firm in the Philippines when she realized that there’s more to life than working nonstop. She then retired and pursued her most-treasured dreams and passions.

The mid-50s might seem like a very old age to most people, but Riza was strong enough to climb the country’s highest peak, Mt. Apo, in four days. Riza also travelled a lot and even joined the National Geographic Marathon, finishing her 21K run in 3.5 hours . She was also proclaimed the grand champion in a competition on Argentine tango organized by the Dance Sport Council of the Philippines.

Judging from her track record, one can see that Riza is trained to excel in everything she does. At the age of 56, she achieved her dream of being a beauty queen by being named Mrs. Face of Beauty International 2019. She likewise married a man younger than her, which shows she is an empowered woman with a mind of her own and determined to enjoy life to the fullest. 

 Dr. Riza was hailed Star of the Night, Female -Fame Awards 2022 led by Atty. Maggie Garduque (left) and designer John Guarnes

The latest feather in Riza’s cap is the Best Actress award she received at the first Manila International Fashion Film Competition for her performance in “The Power Of An Icon” directed by Anthony Brillantes.

“The international board of judges, even those coming from Hollywood and Cannes, were unanimous in choosing Riza as Best Actress. We are now working for the showing of her short film in Cannes Film Festival,” announced Bench Bello of the organizer, Ganap International

The film shows Riza in elegant black outfits designed by Nash Leeho. There are other attention-grabbing details like her shoes, hairstyle and jewelry. But we think what’s most riveting is the way Riza uses her eyes to convey a whole lot of different emotions. They’re very expressive.

Dr Riza Dormiendo with her award

Riza said “The Power of An Icon is really about me.” She pointed out that the film’s tagline, which she utters towards the end, “It takes courage to be me,” is very suited to her life story. 

Riza noted that winning an acting award is a dream come true because “I really wanted to be an actress since I was a little girl.”

She said she treasured the recognition because ” this award is something new and something different from all the other awards I received.”

“I want to be in a movie, kahit extra lang muna. My dream role is to be a contravida. Why? Ang bida namimili ng pelikula pero ang contravida, hindi nawawala sa limelight,” she observed.

Knowing how she means and what she says and strives to attain her goals, it looks like we will be seeing more of Riza more – in films and other projects.

Ms. Eco Int’l 2022 Kathleen Paton stuns at homecoming bash

by Annalyn S. Jusay, Manila Bulletin

She is an achiever-beauty queen who has managed to snag two international beauty titles within the last five years. Yesterday, 24-year-old Kathleen Paton faced the media fresh from being crowned Miss Eco International 2022  in Cairo, Egypt.

It was another proud moment for the Philippines as Kathleen bested 40 other candidates from all over the world. Beauty watchers were quick to point out that her win heralds an auspicious start for the country in the competitive pageant circuit.

The new Miss Eco International was a vision in pink as she made her entrance at the Okada Manila Grand Ballroom in an elegant gown specially made for her by young designer Ryan A. Uson.

“There were a lot of expectations from everyone and I can just say I gave it my 110%,” Kathleen said in reply to the question on what she thought was the factor that made her win. She added that “being honest, being kind and being approachable mattered a lot. Aside from this, I made sure my behavior and  attitude were  up to par as a beauty queen.”

“Winning Miss Eco International is an honor and also a responsibility for me. I don’t see it as a dream that I just get the crown. I see it as a career and a purpose for me because I love to help people. I know that with this crown, am given an even  bigger platform to reach a wider community.  I am able to voice my advocacies related to mental health awareness, education and water conservation,” she pointed out.

As a woman in a very high profile field, Kathleen feels strongly about mental health issues. She revealed that she had to battle her own demons after encountering some people online who criticized her physical appearance and some other personal matters.

The beauty queen has advice for people who are mean and can’t control themselves on social media.

“We need to just learn to be nice, to be kind. You have to look within yourself and ask if the  things you are saying are going to affect other people or not. Because if it’s not nice  or kind, what’s the point of saying it in the first place? Ask yourself: are you treating other people the way you want to be treated? Are the words you are writing online the words you want to hear other people being said to you? If it’s not, there’s no point in your writing that,” she remarked.

Kathleen also gave valuable advice to young girls who want to join beauty contests. “If you want to become a candidate, just join and try. There will always be people to help you out. Joining a pageant is the perfect platform for when you want to live for a purpose and a cause. You will reach a wide community in being able to change something in society.”

The half-Aussie beauty revealed that she is enthusiastic to join showbiz after her reign but admitted that she has to improve her Tagalog. Kathleen is presently in a relationship with model Kirk Bondad who was adjudged Mr. Supranational Philippines 2021.

Comval's 12th Bulawan Festival to kick off on March 3

NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley—A kickstart of events were announced for the opening of the upcoming 12th Bulawan Festival, to be held on March 3, 2019 at the provincial capitol. These events are among the highlights for the annual celebration as the province celebrates its endowment as the “province of gold.”

The opening day will start with a Prosperity run with an expected 10,000 registrants to be followed by an opening program.  Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy and other guests and officials will also formally open the weeklong displays such as: the Bulawanong Tabuan (Mindanao Trade Shows and Exhibits), Tribal Village, Jewelry Fair, De Oro Tsibugan, Sugbahan sa  Bulawan, and the "Yes to Davao de Oro" Exhibit as a campaign for the province’s exciting re-naming.

On the same day, the “Kasikas sa Kapitolyo”, also known as the Drum and Bugle Corps or Marching Band competition will be held to be participated by the public and private high schools within the province.

Another event is the LGU Night: Las Fiestas de Oro, where Municipal Local Government Units will be able to showcase their talents through a theatrical play as they portray the socio-cultural bounties of the respective municipality through songs, chants and dances. With the jam-packed schedules for the week-long occasion, the opening for the festival would surely be not one to miss.

This year’s festivity highlights the private-public partnership with big and reputable companies as well as officials supporting the event:  Co-presenters  Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, Senior Board Member Arturo T. Uy, Congressman Maricar S. Zamora and Vice-Governor Manuel Zamora, Congressman Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga, Apex Mining Company Inc., Torre Lorenzo Development Corp, MARINO Party List, HUGPONG NG PAGBABAGO, and Beautederm. For Diamond Sponsorship, we also have Krishaels. And for Gold Sponsorship, we have SUMIFRU Philippines, Phoenix Fuels Inc., and HEXAT Mining Co., Inc.  (Sean Seismundo, IDS Comval)

Stunning contestants hailing from different areas within the province wearing gilded outfits for the campaign for Bulawan Queen Competition, 2019 as one of the highlights for the 12th Bulawan Festival and 21st Founding Anniversary celebration of Compostela Valley Province on March 8, 2019 . (photo: Compostela Valley Province Facebook Page)

Who will be the 2016 Mrs. Philippines-Globe?

By Ver Paulino (The Philippine Star) | Updated October 20, 2016 - 12:00am

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The pageant’s finalists with national pageant director Carla Cabrera-Quimpo (center), Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 Sherry Lou Villaseñor (eighth from left) and Mrs. Globe 2013 Sheryl Lynn Baas (seventh from right)

MANILA, Philippines – Mrs. Philippines-Globe recently presented its 17 finalists to the media at the Sofitel Hotel.

The pageant aims to empower single mothers and married women. “We want them to be movers of society by bringing out their strengths and encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves,” said national pageant director Carla Cabrera-Quimpo. 

For this year, the candidates vying for the crown are Darlene Go Conde, Marjorie McMurchie, Brooke Irene Rose Cajita, Niezal Cayangan, Madonna Caguioa Naval, Maria Giselle Lyn Barrion, Maria Theresa Uhlmann, Annalyn Marie Gayatin, Michelle Duyungan Boyero, Rasha Demonteverde, Timikko Santos, Genieve Uy, Fritzie Lexdy Noche, Coleen Hazel Ramos, Nova Christine dela Cruz, Geisha Marie Muring and Angelica Marie Catangay.

The finalists will compete on Oct. 23 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig City. The winner of Mrs. Philippines-Globe will receive P150,000 worth of prizes. She will also represent the country in the Mrs. Globe 2016 World Finals in Hainan, China in December.

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Aside from the coveted Mrs. Philippines-Globe title, candidates will also vie for the Woman of Substance title along with other special awards such as Achievement of the Year, Charity or Advocacy of the Year, Best Talent of the Year, Career Woman of the Year, Most Beautiful Face, Darling of the Press, Entrepreneur of the Year, Mrs. Body Beautiful, Most Elegant Woman, Personality of the Year, Husband of the Year and a new addition to the roster of special recognitions — the Mrs. Philippines-Globe Classic 2018.

Mrs. Philippines-Globe is presented by Samsung Hall, Lucky Rainbow Makati, SM Tickets, Solane and Bio-Oil. The pageant is organized by EVI Marketing Communications.

Newly Crowned Miss International 2013

The year 2013 certainly ended on a sweet note with the crowning of Miss Philippines Bea Rose Santiago as Miss International 2013 in Japan on December 2013. During an interview with talk show host Boy Abunda in BANDILA, the model-turned beauty queen admits to undergo some lifestyle changes such as eating healthier meals and excercising almost every day.

Allow me to quote Bea:

"The whole world saw how my country suffered. One by one other countries helped. You have opened my heart and eyes on what we can do to help each other. I will uphold international camaraderie to sustain the spirit of sympathy and to continually share the message of hope. I believe that whatever calamity may come to us , as long as we have each other there will be hope!"

Very well said, Miss International 2013!

Beauty Queens Parade for the Holy Mother

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Beauty queens parade for the Holy Mother